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Philippine
independence honored

By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

H. WAYNE MENDOZA says Philippine Independence Day signifies "trying to keep our culture alive and sharing our culture with non-Filipinos."

June 12 marks the 102nd anniversary of the country's independence.

Festivities celebrating Philippine Independence Day will begin Monday at the Philippine Consulate General, at 2433 Pali Highway.

Events from poetry reading to legislative activism will continue through June 24 at the consulate.

Joe Gozar, marketing consultant for FOREX Cargo and Vital Travel, said, "Celebrating Philippine Independence Day gives an opportunity for children to connect themselves to the history through the celebration. ... They're reminded as Filipino Americans that they have rich cultures and traditions.

"For the older ones, it reconnects them with our history," said Gozar.

Minerva Jean Falcon, consul general, said the celebration is "to remember our attainment of the Philippine nationhood and to honor Filipino defenders of freedom."

The Philippine revolution against Spain began in 1896. The revolution ended more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. On June 12, 1898, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, first president of the Philippine republic, declared independence of the country from the Spanish rule at his home in Kawit, Cavite.

Before we became an independent nation, we had to go through struggles and fight for freedom, said Gozar. This is a day to rekindle that connection with our homeland, he said.

Consulate marks holiday with festivities Here's a list of events commemorating the 102nd anniversary of Philippine independence. All events are open to the public at the Philippine Consulate grounds at 2433 Pali Highway. Monday, June 12 8 a.m. Flag Raising Ceremony. Members of WWII Filipino-Americans Veterans-Hawaii Chapter will assist in raising the Philippine national flag during the ceremony. 8:45 a.m. Religious service for various denominations. 9:30 a.m. "Palaro." Children's games 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Market Fair. Food booths, fresh produce and crafts will be available. 6 p.m. "Salo Salo." Potluck and social gathering. 9-10 p.m. The Philippine Cultural Group of Hawaii will perform "Tinikling," a bamboo dance. The dance group will also perform other traditional dances. Songs will be performed by the Silangan Singers and the Pamana Singers. Wednesday, June 14 5:30 p.m. Poetry reading. Poems written by famous Filipino poets and writers will be read aloud. Filipino poets from Hawaii will also read their poems. Saturday, June 17 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Commemoration of 139th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal's birth. Floral wreath placement upon Rizal statue. 6 p.m. Main performance will be provided by "Forte." Sunday, June 18 11:30 a.m. "Baro ng Pilipino." Fashion show of evolution of traditional costumes to the present. Wednesday, June 21. 5:30 p.m. "Usap-usapan." Discussion on issues that affect the Filipino community in Hawaii. Friday, June 23. 5:30 p.m. Panel discussion on legislative activism. Discussion for Filipinos to be more aware of legislative system and how to be part of the legislative process. Some members of the Legislature are expected to attend. Saturday, June 24 4:30 p.m. Tree-planting ceremony and program sponsored by the American Cancer Society. For more information on events, call the Philippine Consulate at 595-6316.